By Chandani Harrindranauth
It’s that time of year again; when Millbrook High School showcases it’s students’ musical talent at the Winter Concert. There will be many performances at the upcoming concert, including the MHS Chorus and Concert Band.
Miss Clements, the choral director, is thrilled for this year’s concert. There are forty-eight students in the choir, all of whom have been rehearsing since the beginning of September for this event. Out of her selections for the concert, her favorites include Seal Lullaby and Masters in this Hall. Miss Clements enjoys Seal Lullaby because it is a relatively new piece, written in the 21st century, and it tells a nice story, which is reflected in the music. Masters in this Hall is a more traditional carol, one that Miss Clements has conducted before in other choirs. When asked about how this concert would be different from ones she’s conducted previously, Miss Clements replied that the students are more prepared. Miss Clements hopes the audience will enjoy the selection of songs the High School Chorus will perform, and believes that there is something in the concert for everyone to appreciate. From multi-carol, to traditional, to recent pieces of music, she thinks the audience should be well entertained. Miss Clements’ main goal for this concert is to have all of her students attend, in order to be able to showcase their abilities in front of an audience.
Another big attraction of the night is sure to be the Concert Band, directed by Mr. Fryer. Performers Emily Koehler and Kyla Karten both have high expectations for the band’s performance, and express that the band has been sounding great in rehearsal. The entire band has been working diligently on Mr. Fryer’s selections for this concert, which include Mr. Fryer’s own composition, Fanfare for a New Theatre, an Alfred Reed arrangement of Greensleeves, the march Fairest of the Fair, Circles of Light by John Prescott, and the holiday classic Sleigh Ride.
This year’s Holiday Concert is sure to be quite a festivity, and we welcome all to come out and support MHS’s talented students.
By John DeBella
One of the hardest things to be is a new student. There’s so much to get used to: a new environment, new peers, new teachers, and much more. Although this does seem tough, it can be even harder to be a new teacher. Not only do you have to face the normal challenges–but you have to teach as well! However, Miss Browne, the new 9th grade English teacher, makes it look simple. She says her time here has been enjoyable so far.
Miss Browne is very happy to be teaching at Millbrook High School. She said “My time spent at Millbrook has been fantastic. It is a wonderful place to be, but to be honest, what makes my experience unique and even better is my students!”
Miss Browne’s favorite teaching memory to date has been making children’s books for the students of Elm Drive. She was overjoyed to see how exceptionally hard her students worked to create them, and was very pleased with the finished products.
Before coming to our school Miss Browne attended Manhattanville College, where she received her degree, and taught at LaGrange Middle School in the Arlington School District. Being one of her students this year, I can say that my peers and I really like her as a teacher. Everyone seems to agree that she has a great, up-beat personality, and we enjoy being in her class because of this. Miss Browne has really fit in well at Millbrook High School, and I’m sure we will see her here for years to come.
By Emily Walenta
Newspaper, old books, plastic bags, staples, duct tape, soda cans, and loads of other recycled and random items you have around the house might just seem like junk. However, in the minds of the artistic, enthusiastic kids of Millbrook High School, this junk is fashion! On Tuesday, November 10th, the Millbrook Free Library hosted its first annual Teen Alternative Fashion show, in which art students at MHS modeled and designed all sorts of unique outfits.
The fashion show drew a crowd of almost five times the amount of participants. The sixteen high school students all modeled outfits that told their own stories, and chose up-beat songs to strut down the runway to. It was an exciting even that brought together Millbrook High School and the community; we hope to see you there next time!
By Allie Kohut
It is always difficult starting off a new year at a new school. However, Mrs. Watz, the new Chemistry teacher at Millbrook High School, seems to have no problem fitting in here. Being a proud graduate of Siena College, Mrs. Watz was not initially interested in teaching Chemistry. In fact, she entered Siena with the intention of eventually becoming a mathematics teacher. However, this all changed drastically when she took a chemistry course. “When I took this new course, I realized how much I enjoyed Chemistry!” Mrs. Watz said with enthusiasm.
Mrs. Watz came to Millbrook after teaching Chemistry, 8th grade science, and a forensics class at Germantown High School. When asked what the transition was like from Germantown to Millbrook, Mrs. Watz simply answered, “It was extremely easy! I was excited to teach just Chemistry.”
To rap up my interview with Mrs. Watz, I asked her what she enjoyed most about Millbrook High School. Without hesitation she answered, “The people. Everyone is so friendly, positive and hardworking! I come across great personalities in both the students and the teachers!”
It seems as though Mrs. Watz has enjoyed her move to Millbrook High School and I know that we all have too. After talking to some of her students, there is no doubt that they are all pleased with her decision to teach here. Being a student of our new Chemistry teacher, I most definitely agree.
If you are ever walking on the second floor and happen to pass the Science Wing, take the time to go and visit Mrs. Watz. She will make you realize just how fantastic Millbrook High School truly is.
By Tess Dunlap
This past weekend, 97 Miles off Broadway (also known as the Millbrook High School Drama Club) hosted the second annual Follies, a fundraiser extravaganza for their upcoming spring 2010 production of Beauty and the Beast. Held at seven o’clock on Saturday, November 14th, the show featured acts from Drama Club students, district teachers, administrators, and community members. Some highlights included: Studio performers in a selection from Annie; Heather Holohan in both a solo dance and solo vocal number; senior Ryan Parker and junior Britta Burrows in vocal display numbers from Beauty and the Beast; high school nurse Marcia Tanzman as an ancient woman from The Old Folks; junior Daniel Hurley and company in songs from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; high school principal Dr. Christine Ackerman, high school science teacher Joanne Fargione, and freshman Leigh Davis in a hilarious Forum spin-off (with a cameo by high school teacher Mr. Deredita); Drama Club members, announcer Steve Fabrizio, and Alden Place principal Tom Libka in “I Am Not Dead Yet” from Monty Python; Alden Place teacher Chris Propfe with a guitar solo; high school guidance counselor Lisa Petta, high school assistant administrator Brian Devincenzi, and superintendent of schools Dr. Lloyd Jaeger in a scene from The Writer; the Millbrook High School Madrigals and Jazz Band; and perhaps the best number of the night - Puttin’ on the Ritz from Young Frankenstein, featuring middle school principal Brian Freid, Dr. Lloyd Jaeger, middle school English teacher Bill Burrows, Drama Club director Dr. Karen Burrows, and Studio tap dancers. The Follies was a well-attended, excellent showcase of talent in the area, and will hopefully raise adequate funds for the upcoming season.
By Ryan Donovan
On October 29th and 30th, Millbrook High School’s junior class went on a class trip to Philadelphia. After a six hour bus ride from Millbrook, we arrived in Philadelphia. The first thing we noticed was the wealth of Phillies fans, flags and World Series advertisements. At each place we stopped, we learned some facts from a few of our classmates and our tour guide.
Our first stop of the day was Independence Hall. Next, we visited the historic Liberty Bell. Then, we went to lunch at The Bourse where some of my classmates indulged in their first authentic Philly Cheese-steak. After lunch we visited places such as Ben Franklin’s grave, Old Christ Church, the United States Mint and the house of Betsy Ross; maker of the American Flag. A long walk later and we found ourselves at the Hard Rock Café for dinner. Our last stop of the day was the King of Prussia Mall where we browsed through the various stores. We then went back to our hotel, swam in the pool, relaxed and watched the Yankees win game two of the World Series against the Phillies.
The next day, we woke up early, had breakfast and readied ourselves for another fun day in Philadelphia. Our first stop of the day was the Benjamin Franklin Institute. We then went over to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where we had lunch and then walked around through the various art galleries. Once we finished in there, we went out to the Rocky steps where most people ran up in tribute to Rocky. Next on our visit was the National Constitution Center. There, we visited Signers’ Hall which had statues of all the signers of the Constitution, followed by a presentation about the constitution. Our last stop in Philadelphia was the Spaghetti Warehouse, where we had dinner before embarking on our long trip home.
By Allison Reid
The members, new and old, of Athletes Helping Athletes are excited for a new year in the program. This year, they plan to continue their service by working with and helping students at Alden Place Elementary and Millbrook Middle School to make positive choices on and off the athletic field. On their upcoming visits, AHA members will be focusing on sportsmanship, civility, and drug and alcohol prevention. Through personal experiences, games, and activities, they hope to further enlighten the young students of Millbrook.
“This is one of the strongest groups we’ve had since the introduction of the program here at Millbrook” said Shawn Stoliker, AHA Coordinator.
New Members
9th grade:
Monica Koralus
Annie Whalen
Kendra Weller
Emily Koehler
Kyla Karten
10th grade:
Lucas Lehmkeihl
Melissa Estramera
Mackenzie Whalen
Izzy Oullette
11th grade:
Andrew Gartleman
Lauren Rollins
Tara Adams
12th grade:
Caitlin O’Donnell
Returning Members
10th grade:
Peter Lachance
Mallory Peterson
Max Wilson
11th grade:
Mary Richwine
Katie Nellis
Allie Kohut
Sara Gagnon
Nick D’Onofrio
12th grade:
Jonathan Campbell
Anna Gagnon
Kai Germano
Elaina Nellis
Allison Reid
Chrissy Robertson
Nicole Shanks
Chronicle Staff | December 22, 2009
